Bitter Sweet ∞ Harry Styles

❝One ❞

Reese’s POV

I stared out the window and watched as I passed by houses in different heights and colors. People were walking by the sides of the streets trying to survive from the cold weather outside. It was a cold day here in England but people are used to it. Cold wind from outside gushed through the open window and I shivered as goose bumps formed on my arms. I tugged at my old purple coat before leaning against my seat and closed my eyes.

Today is my birthday and I decided I’d leave the orphanage I used to live in and live my life independently. This might be hard, but I’ve been desperate to leave that orphanage. I wasn’t satisfied with their meals back there because it can only fill half of my stomach. Bathrooms are dirty and broken, rooms have chipped walls and cracking wooden floors and spider webs on corners of the building. Even kids in there don’t like to stay in that place. But now since that I’m old enough to live my own life, I left the orphanage and decided I’d start a new life.

The bus stopped by a village and decided I’d go down and look for some place to eat. I don’t have much money, really, but it’s enough to feed myself. The orphanage supervisor even gave me a little money so I could buy myself food, or rent a place to stay in. But I don’t think I can afford it with only a few bills and changes.

I sighed as I walked down the sidewalk with my left hand holding an old suitcase filled with old clothes. My stomach was growling and my hands were freezing from the cold. That’s when I saw a coffee shop at the other side of the street and decided I’d get in and get warmed up before continuing my journey.

I pushed the glass door open and my old black Chuck Taylors hit the cold marbled floor as I went inside. The smell of caffeine filled my nostrils and the cold air was out of my touch. I went up to the counter and ordered coffee and a slice of cake before paying the cashier half of my money. If only I had more…

I sat down at a table near the window and started eating my cake. I closed my eyes and licked my lips in delight as my taste buds touched the sweetness of the sugary treat. When I finished the whole slice I drank my coffee and just sat there looking out the window as thoughts invaded my mind.

Where am I going to stay?

I should get a job.

Do you think I can still survive?

My thoughts were interrupted by someone sitting across me. My eyes widened at the sight of a young man smiling at me. He looked about my age, older maybe. He had chocolate brown eyes and a quiff hairstyle. He was lean and fit and I must say he’s handsome.

“C-Can I help you?” I stuttered as I looked at him in shock.

“Sorry I’m late, babe. Caught up in traffic.” He said in a deep, raspy voice. I was surprised at how deep his voice was. But I must say, it sounds so sexy. But wait, why is he calling me babe?

“I…uh, I d-don’t know you.” I stuttered and he narrowed his eyebrows at me. I just sat there, staring at his brown eyes, frozen at my seat as he stared at me up and down before his eyes widened.

“Oh! I’m really, really sorry love. I-I thought you were my…uh, girlfriend. I’m really, really sorry. You two both look alike.” He apologized and a small smile spread across my lips.

“It’s okay, I guess.” I said and he shot me an embarrassed smile. Then awkward silence filled the air as we both just sat there in silence.

“I’m Liam by the way, Liam Payne.” He introduced as he held out his hand for me to shake. I stared at it before looking back up at his eyes.

“R-Reese. Reese Valentine.” I introduced and shook his hand. He smiled at me before we let go. He then looked around the place and sighed.

“I guess she isn’t here yet.” He said mostly to himself. I narrowed my eyebrows before taking a sip on my coffee.